Check out the YouTube video to see what happened when Lilly dared to live out one of her dreams.
Book Giveaway:Lilly is offering one e-book version to one commenter of GOLD TRAP an one e-book version of HOME BEFORE DARK to another commenter. The winners will be chosen by The Captain and be announced next Friday on November 9th between 4-5 EST. Please leave a comment for Lilly, and include your email address within the body of the comment. Thanks!
A Few Thoughts on Destiny by Lilly Maytree
One of the most common
practices of an author thinking up stories is the exercise of "what
if." Take Megan Jennings, for instance. I knew she would be someone
dissatisfied with the hum-drum of her own daily life, even though she was a
good person, and a good teacher, having a good effect on many students. Other than a few quirks in
her personality, she should have been content. Except for a secret dream, and
the niggling thought there might be something else for her somewhere.
I think a lot of us feel
that way. We do, but then we continue faithfully in our own good (or not so
good) lives, until the opportunities for doing anything different are long
gone. In fact, we seldom want to, anymore. But I said to myself, "What if
this Megan Jennings decided (rather secretly) to give one of her dreams a try?
Just toss a sort of 'hello' out into the netherworld, to see if there was
really anything there?"
I thought how she could make
a little “leap of faith” to see what happened. Be back before the end of
Christmas holiday, so that if she failed, she would be the only one to know.
Which wouldn't take a lot of faith, really. But if it only takes a smidge of
the stuff to move mountains, she could certainly muster up enough to experiment
with.
What came of all this
"what-iffing," on my part, was a book. Which was what I expected, and
what I originnally set out to do. What I didn't expect, was the effect Meg's
thinking began to have on my own life. Like maybe I could make one of those
little experiments, myself. Who would even know? I mean... WHAT IF?
I love writing adventure
stories. Especially when I am safe and snug in my own little study, far away
from the dangers and deceptions that rule such territories as real adventurers have
to go through. Oh, how bold I can be walking in Meg's shoes, through jungles,
or paddling down rivers, while I have a nice fire crackling in my woodstove,
and a fresh batch of cookies in the oven that will be ready in time for tea.
Except somewhere along the
line, her world began to look a little better than mine. I started to admire
her for having the courage to leap out. To tell you the truth, there were
occasions I actually forgot I invented her in the first place. There might even
have been a bit of envy. Then came the usual let-down when a book is finally
finished. She was her own person, now, and didn't need me anymore. In fact,
nobody seemed to need me, so I...
Took a little "leap of
faith," of my own.
One that landed me smack in
the reality of my own lifelong dream of adventure. It's true. And while living
aboard a "go-anywhere-in-the-world" sailboat, might not be everyone's
idea of a dream, it's definitely mine. Waking up to the call of seagulls, the
gentle rocking of the sea, and the muffled chugs of engines as boats go in and
out of this little waterfront marina, has actually expanded my creativity. I
didn't even have to give up cookie-baking. But the biggest surpirse of my
experiment was to find out my dream was more than just a figment of my
imagination. It was a real place, somewhere.
What if all dreams are like
that?
What if those heart whispers
you hear snatches of at the end of a trying day, or just before drifting off to
sleep, are calling out as much for you to fullfil them, as they could fullfil
you? A real place that might be found through the simple door of one tiny
"leap of faith.” What if there is a place like that for everybody?
Something we may have even been MADE FOR?
WHAT IF?
"For I know the
thoughts I think toward you, saith the Lord... thoughts of peace and not of
evil, to give you an EXPECTED end..." Jerimiah 29:11
Viewers, let's chat: What are your what ifs?
Author Bio:
Lilly Maytree is an inspirational adventure novelist, who is
the author of GOLD TRAP, and HOME BEFORE DARK. She is, at this very moment,
living out her dreams aboard the sailing vessel Glory B. You can follow
her adventures by visiting her Armchair Traveler's Portal
Lilly's novels on Amazon:
Wow that sounds like fun
ReplyDeleteSailing to each place under the sun
All the sights you must see
That sounds like fun to me
Of course when it comes to the cat
He would not like that
Too much water for him
Things could turn grim
But traveling around
Where such adventures are found
Would surely be fun
Sure you will have a ton
Hey Pat, you're back. So happy for that!
DeleteMy goodness, Pat, that is about the most thoughtful comment I ever came across, as it must have taken more than a bit of time to think up. Thank you! Sailing is a lot of fun, and I must say I've seen quite a few "ship's cats" on boats over the years. So, if you ever get the hankering to do a bit of adventuring yourself, the cat may work out just fine. Should probably have a good backup plan, though... yes, indeed!
DeleteElaine, thank you so much for letting me come by and visit with you and your readers, this week, about my favorite subjects. One thing I've learned about making "leaps of faith," is it's a grand adventure where ever you land!
ReplyDeleteIt's a pleasure to host you, Lilly. I admire your strong, positive attitude.
DeleteI love "what if" when it leads me to a story to create. That question is an author's friend.
ReplyDeleteYou have that right, Caroline! Nice to see you again ♡
DeleteI have to admit it was certainly one of the best questions I ever asked myself, as well. Nice to meet you, Caroline!
DeleteLilly, what a delightful week it's been hosting you on Everyone's Story. With Hurricane Sandy hitting here in the Northeast, followed by a taste of winter the other day, I think you encouraged everyone to pursue their dreams, if not to jump in a boat and head for some place warm and romantic. Thanks for the inspiration.
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks for the fab book giveaways:
The winners, Caroline and Pat, will be hearing directly from us shortly.
Blessings to you, Lilly, and to all my viewers,
Elaine
It's been a pleasure, Elaine... and here's wishing all those who ask themselves "what if," the courage to follow their dreams!
ReplyDelete